EDUCATION Secretary Michael Gove apologised today to his French teacher for misbehaving during his Aberdeen schooldays.

In an open letter, Gove said he cringes when he remembers his 15-year-old self, lurking at the back of the classroom, asking “clever-dick questions” and indulging in “pathetic showing off”.

He said he now realised that Danny Montgomery – who taught languages at Robert Gordon’s College in Aberdeen – was trying to broaden his pupils’ horizons.

The letter, published in the Radio Times, said: “It may be too late to say I’m sorry. Thirty years too late.

“But since apologies from politicians are considered as rare as away wins for Queens Park Rangers, I hope you will accept mine.

“Because when I look back at the 15-year-old I was, lurking at the back of your French class at Robert Gordon’s College in Aberdeen, I cringe.

“You were trying, patiently, doggedly, good-humouredly, to broaden our horizons. And all we could do was compete to think of clever-dick questions to embarrass you and indulge in pathetic showing-off at your expense.”

Mr Montgomery said he was intrigued by his former pupil’s apology.

He said Gove stood out during his schooldays and revealed a teaching colleague said he would be a future leader of the Conservatives.

Mr Montgomery added: “It was gratifying to learn that Michael not only remembers the content of my lessons but also appreciates the wider learning that I was aiming to encourage.”